The Silent Drum

One day in the royal court, a boastful man approached Emperor Akbar with a strange claim. “Jahanpanah,” he said proudly, “I can create a magical drum one that beats without making a sound.”

The courtiers chuckled at the absurdity, but Akbar, ever curious, decided to entertain the man’s words. “Very well,” he said. “If you succeed, you shall be rewarded.”

The man agreed but kept delaying, giving excuses day after day. Weeks passed, and still, there was no silent drum.

Finally, Birbal decided to address the matter. He brought an empty clay pot to court and handed it to the man. “Here,” Birbal said, “your silent drum is ready.”

The man looked confused. “But this is just an empty pot!”

Birbal smiled. “Exactly. Like your promise, it is hollow. And though it makes no sound, the emptiness speaks for itself. Empty claims, like empty pots, may seem silent but they echo louder in disappointment.”

The court burst into laughter, and even Emperor Akbar couldn’t help but chuckle. “Once again, Birbal has found the perfect reply,” he said.

The man, embarrassed by his own false pride, quietly bowed and left the court.

Moral: Empty promises make the loudest noise when they deliver nothing.